Kendrick Lamar Leads 2025 AMAs Nominations

The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) are shaping up to be a monumental celebration of music’s biggest names and genre-defying moves. Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s nominations and Beyoncé continues to make a statement in country music for her acclaimed album Cowboy Carter. Read more inside.

Kendrick leads this year’s nominations with an impressive 10 nods, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for GNX, and Song of the Year for his chart-topping hit “Not Like Us.” This marks a significant moment for Lamar, who continues to solidify his legacy as one of the most prolific voices in modern hip-hop.

Close behind him is Post Malone, earning eight nominations, followed by a new wave of breakout artists. People reports that Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and genre-blending sensation Shaboozey each earned seven nominations, highlighting the diversity of this year’s roster. Their recognition spans pop, alternative, and even country categories, highlgihting the evolving musical tastes of fans around the world.

One of the most talked-about stories this awards season is Beyoncé’s presence in the country music categories. Beyoncé received three country nominations, including Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for her critically acclaimed album Cowboy Carter. This follows her historic Grammy wins in February and marks yet another cultural milestone in her genre-expanding career. Her presence in these traditionally exclusive categories signals a shift in country music’s landscape and a broadening of its audience.

The 2025 AMAs, set to air live from Las Vegas on May 26, will be hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who is also slated to perform. Voting is open to fans until May 15, with some categories accepting votes during the first 30 minutes of the live broadcast. The show will be broadcast on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+.

This year’s nominations reflect a music industry that’s increasingly inclusive and boundary-pushing. From Kendrick’s lyrical depth to Beyoncé’s genre disruption, the AMAs are spotlighting artists who are reshaping what mainstream success looks like. Fans not only get to witness history being made, but they get to be a part of it by voting and engaging with the artists they love.

As excitement builds for the ceremony, 2025 is a year where music innovation and authenticity are being rightfully rewarded regardless of genre.

Learn more about this year’s AMA’s at their website.